Wigan and Hull touched down in Wollongong today ahead of the first UK Super League game to be played outside of Europe.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall and Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward welcomed Wigan and Hull at the iconic Flagstaff Hill today, with the two sides set to face off at WIN Stadium this Saturday 10th February 2018.

“It’s fantastic what Wollongong has done this for us and everyone has been really welcoming.” Said Shaun Wane.

“We’ve got a lot lined up such as training sessions against Manly and Cronulla so we’re really going to make the best of it whilst we’re here. We’re here to work and we’ve not come all of this way to lose.”

Shaun Wane speaking with the local media in Wollongong

Mr Marshall said: “NSW is, without doubt, Australia’s home of rugby league and I am thrilled to welcome both Wigan and Hull to our wonderful State and in particular to Wollongong for this world-first Super League game.

“This tour provides visiting fans with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best of Sydney as well as explore the beautiful beaches, national parks and first-class hospitality of the Illawarra.”

The teams were welcomed by Adam Marshall and Gareth Ward

Gareth Ward, Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast and Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Member for Kiama said:

Mr Ward said the Super League game on Saturday would be a huge boost for the region.

“Both teams will spend a full week in Wollongong, engaging with the community through various events including coaching clinics, school visits and open training sessions.”

A healthy media presence at today’s welcome

The Super League sides will face off on 10 February at WIN Stadium in Wollongong before Wigan takes on the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Hull plays the St George Illawarra Dragons in a double header on 17 February at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

Tickets for the first ever double-header games between Super League and NRL teams at a single venue when Wigan face South Sydney Rabbitohs and Hull FC play St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium, Sydney on Saturday 17 February, 2018 can be purchased HERE.

The Wigan Warriors and Hull F.C games in Wollongong and Sydney have been secured exclusively by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with Destination Wollongong.